Grip Positioning Mechanism for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses lack a reliable mechanism to prevent the grip from accidentally moving from its innermost position to an outermost position, potentially causing interference or damage, especially when subjected to impact.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first guiding member above and a second guiding member below the grip portion, with an engaging portion on the second guiding member that restricts movement to the outer position, using a resin projection from the grip to engage with the guide rail, ensuring the grip remains securely in the innermost position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the grip is made movable between innermost and outermost positions to improve operational efficiency, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the grip may accidentally move to the outermost position causing interference or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing guiding members and engagement structures that are pre-configured to automatically prevent the grip from moving to the outermost position. The engagement portion and projection are designed in advance to engage when the grip reaches the innermost position, creating a mechanical stop that prevents accidental movement without requiring active control during operation.
2Reliability
If a locking member is added to keep the grip locked in the innermost position, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function into the existing guiding members by integrating the engagement portion directly into the second guiding member and the projection into the grip structure. This combines the guidance and locking functions into a unified structure, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement structure operates automatically through the mechanical interaction between the projection on the grip and the engagement portion on the second guiding member. When the grip moves to the innermost position, the projection automatically engages with the engagement portion, providing self-locking without requiring additional actuators, sensors, or control systems.
3Ease of operation
If the grip is allowed to protrude from the main assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to potential interference with passersby or adjacent equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the engagement portion and projection to engage before the grip can reach a position where it would interfere with passersby or adjacent equipment. The mechanical constraint is established in advance, preventing the harmful effect of protrusion while maintaining the ability to carry the apparatus when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a main assembly, a grip, a first guiding member, and a second guiding member. The grip is linearly movable between a first position accommodated inside the main assembly and a second position projecting from the main assembly. The grip has a projection of resin material projecting downwardly from a lower surface of the grip. The first guiding member is provided above the grip to guide the movement of the grip, and the second guiding member is provided below the grip and configured to guide the movement of the grip together with the first guiding member. The second guiding member is provided with an engaging portion projecting from an upper surface of the second guiding member and capable of engaging with the projection to restrict movement of the grip toward the second position when the grip is in the first position.